Mobile bagging station

ABSTRACT

A mobile bagging station comprises a base; a sloped table on the base; and at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/270,958, filed on Dec. 22, 2015 entitled “MOBILE BAGGING STATION,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present inventive concepts relate generally to mobile bagging stations.

BACKGROUND

Store counters typically have a conveyor belt that moves products to a cashier, who scans the items on the belt. The cashier or other store employee inserts the items into bags after the items are purchased.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, provided is a mobile bagging station, comprising a base; a sloped table on the base; and at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture.

In some embodiments, the station is positioned at or proximal a store exit.

In some embodiments, the mobile bagging station further comprises a set of retractable wheels coupled to the base, the station positioned on the wheels for providing mobility.

In some embodiments, the bagging fixture is at a top of the station above the table.

In some embodiments, the bagging fixture is at a side of the table at a lowest point of the slope, and aligned with a direction of the slope of the sloped table.

In some embodiments, the station has a unitary configuration.

In some embodiments, the station is constructed and arranged for customers to double bag purchased items.

In some embodiments, the table has a square or rectangular perimeter at a lowest region of the table, an apex at a highest region of the table, and four sloped sides each extending from the apex to a side of the square or rectangular perimeter.

In some embodiments, the mobile bagging station further comprises dividers that form four table regions, each table region including at least one of the sloped slides of the table.

In some embodiments, the perimeter includes at least two sides at a lowest region of the table, and two sloped slides each extending from a highest region of the table to a side of the perimeter.

In some embodiments, the highest region of the table at or near a center of the table.

In some embodiments, the highest region of the table at or near a vertical plane along which a side of the perimeter of the table is positioned.

In some embodiments, the mobile bagging station further comprises a divider that extends along the table, and bisects the table into a first region and a second region, so that a first slope is in the first region and a second slope is in the second region.

In some embodiments, the slope of the table permits store items placed on the table to be directed to a region along a perimeter of the table where a bag may be positioned on the bagging fixture.

In another aspect, provided is a mobile bagging station, comprising: a base; and a table on the base, the table having four sloped sides, each extending form a highest region of the table to a lowest region of the table.

In some embodiments, the mobile bagging station further comprises at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture.

In another aspect, provided is a method for bagging groceries, comprising providing a mobile bagging station, comprising a base; a sloped table on the base; and at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture; positioning a grocery item on the sloped table, wherein the grocery item slides or rolls down the sloped table to the perimeter of the table; and moving the grocery item from the perimeter of the table to a bag at the at least one bagging fixture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the concepts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile bagging station, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile bagging station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the mobile bagging station of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the mobile bagging station of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mobile bagging station, in accordance with other embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of retractable wheels of a mobile bagging station of FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mobile bagging station, in accordance with other embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mobile bagging station constructed and arranged to include a plurality of bag holders, in accordance with other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided in some embodiments is a mobile bagging counter apparatus that can be positioned in strategic accessible locations for customers before exiting a store in the event that the customer wishes to place the purchased goods such as groceries in bags. Different mobile services may include the apparatus. The bagging counter apparatus is mobile so that it can be implemented at different stations throughout the store. In other embodiments, a mobile bagging station can be positioned at any location where there is a need for independent bagging, such as outdoor location, for example, a garden.

FIGS. 1-4 are various views of a mobile bagging station 10, in accordance with some embodiments.

The mobile bagging station 10 includes a base 102 and a table 104 on the base 102. The base 102 and/or table 104 can have a shape of a square, rectangular, oval, circle, polygon, trapezoid, or other shape, or a combination thereof. For example, the table 104 and/or frame or border 106 about a perimeter of the table 104, may be a rectangle having rounded corners. In some embodiments, the bagging station 10 has a unitary (not modular) construction. A cart bumping feature 111 may extend about some or all of an outer surface of the table border 106, for example, formed of foam, plastic, or the like for absorbing a force applied by a shopping cart or other object.

In some embodiments, the base 102 can have one or more shelves 105, or slots, openings, or the like for storage. In some embodiments, the shelves 105 are positioned at a front, side, and/or back region of the base 10. In other embodiments, the shelves 105 are positioned along a side of the base 10. In other embodiments, for example, shown in FIG. 1, the shelves extend through a length of the base 102.

The base 102 may include blocks 109 for supporting the bag holders 108. In some embodiments, the blocks 109 include grooves or the like in which bag fixtures or holders 108 can be removably inserted and held in place. The bag holders 108 may be constructed and arranged as hooks, clamps, permanent or removable fixtures, or related support structures, for example, support structure 208 shown in FIG. 8 As described herein, a bagging fixture 108 may be attached to a front, side, and/or top of the table 104 and may be positioned relative to the slope of the table, for example, at the lower end of the slope or alongside the slope.

A top surface of the base 102 on which the table 104 is positioned may be larger than or smaller than the table 104. For example, the table 104 may have a length and/or width that is greater than that of the top surface of the base 102. Alternatively, the table 104 may have a length and/or width that is the same as or less than that of the top surface of the base 102. In some embodiments, the top surface of the base 102 may have a taper or slope. The table 104 is positioned on the base 102 and therefore also has a taper or slope. In other embodiments, the top surface of the base 102 is flat. However, the table 104 on the flat base 102 is constructed and arranged to a taper or slope. As shown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of the table 104 has a slope having an angle θ relative to a horizontal or x-axis. The slope of the table 104 having the angle θ is provided so that items placed at a region of the table 104 may be directed to a different region (R) along a perimeter of the table 104 where one or more bags 12 may be positioned (see FIG. 1), so that a item placed on the table, such as canned goods, fruit, and so on rolls or slides along the slope to a region (R) where a recipient such as a store customer located at a bag 12 near the region (R) to place the store item into the bag 12.

In some embodiments, the table 104 includes a material, or is coated with a material, that reduces friction of the table surface so that large or heavy items, square or rectangular items, or other items prone to remaining stationary when placed on the table 104 may slide down the table 104 to a neighboring region (R) at a periphery of the table 104.

In some embodiments, the table 104 has a cross-sectional tent, A-frame, or other triangle shape, for example, two or four sloped side surfaces extending from a center region (A), which is higher along a vertical or y-axis than the periphery region (B) of the table 104. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, the table 104 has four sloped sides, separated by two dividers 114A, B. In other embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a bagging station 30 may include two regions 204A, 204B, each with a sloped side, separated by a single divider 214. Each sloped side may be similar to that of a region R of station 20 shown in FIG. 5, for example, each section 204A-204B having a sloped surface having a same angle θ, or different angles. In other embodiments, the table 104 has a single slope, with no dividers.

The border 106 about the perimeter of the table 104 is constructed for containing items at the table 104, and therefore preventing items from falling off the table 104. Items that roll or slide down the slope of the table 104 may come to rest at the border 106, where they can be placed in a neighboring bag 12 by a user, such as a store associate or customer. The border 106 may be formed of a same or similar material as the base 102 or table 104, such as metal and/or plastic. Alternatively, the border 106 can be formed of different materials, such as metal and/or plastic.

One or more dividers 114 may extend along the table 104, and divide the table into two or more regions R. A divider 114 may be positioned along a center of the table 104, or anywhere along the table so that the divider 114 is aligned with a highest point on the table, for example, the aligned with center region (A), thereby separating a first slope at the first region and a second slope at the second region. In some embodiments, additional dividers (not shown) are provided for forming a border about, the four regions (R) of the table 104. The dividers 114 and/or additional dividers may be formed of well-known materials such as metal and/or plastic. A plurality of bag fixtures/holders 108 are coupled to the mobile bagging station 10. Each bag holder 108 is constructed and arranged to support at least one grocery bag. Multiple bag holders 108 may be positioned at different locations of the bagging station 10 so that the same item or items may be bagged with multiple bags.

A bag holder 108 can be positioned at one or more corners of the bagging station 10, for example, attached to the base 102 proximal table regions (R). In some embodiments, additional bag holders (not shown) are positioned above a center region of the table 104, for example, extending from the divider 114. Two or more bag holders may be positioned along a slope of the table 104 so that items may be bagged, or double-bagged in a convenient manner. For example, a store customer may be positioned at a foot of the table where a first bag is positioned on a first bag holder 108, and a second bag is positioned at a bag holder 108 extending from a divider 114 bisecting the table 104. An item placed near the divider 114 may roll down toward the customer near the first bag holder 108. In doing so, the customer may pick up the item as it rolls down the sloped table surface and insert it in the second bag, then insert the item and first bag into the second bag. In some embodiments, the station 10 is positioned at or proximal a store exit, or other location of a store where a customer or store associate may bag grocery items.

In some embodiments, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the mobile bagging station 10 may have a retractable wheel assembly 132.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mobile bagging station 20, in accordance with other embodiments. The mobile bagging station shown in FIG. 5 does not include a border. Accordingly, a description of features of the mobile bagging station 20 can be illustrated and described in greater detail. Other features are similar to the bagging station 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and are not repeated due to brevity.

The station 20 has a table having has a square or rectangular, or other shape perimeter at a lowest region of the table, an apex at a highest region (A) of the table, and four sloped sides each extending from the apex to a side of the square or rectangular perimeter. In some embodiments, each slope at region (R) is directed to a side (C), (D) and/or corner (B) of the table 104. The highest table region (A) may be at a center of the table 104 but is not limited thereto. For example, the highest elevation of a particular table region be offset relative to the center of the table, for example, located at a corner of the table 104. Therefore, in some embodiments, the regions (R) are of different configurations, and have different slopes, lengths, widths, or shapes.

As previously mentioned, the mobile bagging station 20 includes two dividers 114A, 114B (generally, 114) that divide a table surface into four sections 104A-104D (generally, 104). Each table section 104A-104D has a sloped surface having a same angle θ, or different angles, relative to a horizontal or x-axis. Each sloped surface 104A-104D extends from a center point (A), which is higher along a vertical or y-axis than a periphery region of the table section 104A-D, which may include corner (B) and/or sides (C), (D). In some embodiments, the slope angle from center point (A) to each of corner (B), side (C), and side (D) is the same. In other embodiments, the slope angles from center point (A) to each of corner (B), side (C), and side (D) are different. For example, of corner (B), side (C), and side (D) may not extend along the same horizontal axis (x).

Accordingly, store items placed at a table section 104A-104B may be slide or roll down to a region (R) along a perimeter of the table 104 where one or more bags on holders (not shown) may be positioned, for example, holders positioned at a side, top, or front of the station 20, or anywhere the slope of the table 104 is directed, for example, holders 108 shown in FIG. 1.

While concepts have been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile bagging station, comprising: a base; a sloped table on the base; and at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture.
 2. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the station is positioned at or proximal a store exit.
 3. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, further comprising a set of retractable wheels coupled to the base, the station positioned on the wheels for providing mobility.
 4. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the bagging fixture is at a top of the station above the table.
 5. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the bagging fixture is at a side of the table at a lowest point of the slope, and aligned with a direction of the slope of the sloped table.
 6. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the station has a unitary configuration.
 7. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the station is constructed and arranged for customers to double bag purchased items.
 8. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the table has a square or rectangular perimeter at a lowest region of the table, an apex at a highest region of the table, and four sloped sides each extending from the apex to a side of the square or rectangular perimeter.
 9. The mobile bagging station of claim 8, further comprising dividers that form four table regions, each table region including at least one of the sloped slides of the table.
 10. The mobile bagging station of claim 1, wherein the perimeter includes at least two sides at a lowest region of the table, and two sloped slides each extending from a highest region of the table to a side of the perimeter.
 11. The mobile bagging station of claim 10, wherein the highest region of the table at or near a center of the table.
 12. The mobile bagging station of claim 10, wherein the highest region of the table at or near a vertical plane along which a side of the perimeter of the table is positioned.
 13. The mobile bagging station of claim 10, further comprising a divider that extends along the table, and bisects the table into a first region and a second region, so that a first slope is in the first region and a second slope is in the second region.
 14. The mobile bagging station of claim 10, wherein the slope of the table permits store items placed on the table to be directed to a region along a perimeter of the table where a bag may be positioned on the bagging fixture.
 15. A mobile bagging station, comprising: a base; and a table on the base, the table having four sloped sides, each extending form a highest region of the table to a lowest region of the table.
 16. The mobile bagging station of claim 15, further comprising at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture.
 17. A method for bagging groceries, comprising: providing a mobile bagging station, comprising: a base; a sloped table on the base; at least one bagging fixture proximal the table so that items roll or slide down the slope of the table to a perimeter of the table for insertion into at least one bag positioned at the bagging fixture; positioning a grocery item on the sloped table, wherein the grocery item slides or rolls down the sloped table to the perimeter of the table; and moving the grocery item from the perimeter of the table to a bag at the at least one bagging fixture. 